Have you ever listened to a person share their story or experience of a situation that has transpired in their life, and they didn’t feel as if they had the support they needed? On the other hand, an individual who did have the support needed and were almost brought to tears because they didn’t know how they would have overcome a situation without their community; also known as their tribe or their people? Well, I believe that most individuals come to the realization throughout their life the importance of having a community. Community is not just limited to fellowship with other individuals because of common interests and goals. However, I think most adults would agree that your community becomes more of your support group of people that you can lean on and create safe space that allow you to be your true authentic self.
Over the last few years in my 20 somethings (Alexa, play “20 Something” by SZA) when my pen has hit the paper to write down the things I’m grateful for, community has always been top five on my list. For the most part, there has always been someone from my tribe that has shown up for me in times of need, whether it’s been meeting me where I’m at in life or reassuring me that they’ve got my back regardless of the situation. As a black woman, there are an array of areas within my life where I know I may need more support in, and I believe that it’s the individuals’ due diligence to know where that support is needed. My tribe may consist of my parents, sister, or friends, but by knowing the value that person adds to my life, that is how I can determine how that person may show up in my life within my community.
So, I challenge anyone reading this post to reflect and ask yourself these few questions:
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- Write down 5 things you’re grateful for. Does community make that list? If not, what are those 5 things?
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- What does community mean to you and what does that look like?
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- Who are the people who would be considered your community?
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- How do these individuals show up for you in your life and is that energy reciprocated from both ends of the relationship?
- Has there been a time in your life where community was not present or didn’t show up, and how did that make you feel?
Please feel free to reach out. I would love to hear some of the responses from the challenge. I can be contacted through the contact page. Thank you and stay blessed!
